The workforce’s youngest generation isn’t afraid of changing roles, but it’s not because of a lack of commitment.  

Gen Z has gotten the professional reputation as unloyal and more than willing to hop from one organization to another. That preconception isn’t totally unsubstantiated, either. A new survey of 1,514 healthcare employees conducted by The Harris Poll and Strategic Education found that 70% of Gen Zers expect to explore a new role in the next year. 

But still, 65% say they expect to stay with an employer for five or more years and 95% say they value long-term job security. So why are they prepared to find a new employer? 

According to the research, they look up to the career growth they’ve seen exhibited by older generations. Of the Gen Zers surveyed, 89% report placing importance on clear opportunities for advancement when considering a job and 86% think that education or learning new skills will help them progress in their career. 

“As a nurse and educator of more than 42 years, these findings confirm what I have seen firsthand. Younger healthcare workers are willing to move on if their employer doesn’t support their career trajectory,” said Adele Webb, a healthcare workforce advisor for Workforce Edge, a subsidiary of Strategic Education. “Employers must develop a retention strategy that incorporates the learning and advancement opportunities this generation expects.” 

The perception of a lack of career growth may put what pushes out many Gen Zers. The Harris Poll found:  

• only 26% of employees have a great deal of trust that their employer will support their long-term career growth; 

• 47% of employers point to a lack of opportunities for advancement, professional development, or education as the main motivation for departing employees; and 

• 80% of employees report that clear opportunities for advancement are an important factor, with 68% also saying that the speed of career progression matters. 

Looking to dive deeper? We keep an ever-growing archive of HRO Today Association member webinars. Watch now: “Careers, Coaching, & Culture: How to Build an Internal Mobility Program That Sticks.”